According to the American Psychological Association, more than a quarter of American adults report that stress impacts their everyday functioning.
In this study, two in five adults shared that stress impacts them to the point where they can’t bring themselves to do anything.
In our modern world, stress is rampant, and we’ve all been there. So, what can we do about this? Healthy lifestyle swaps like improving our diets, exercise, better sleep, and herbal remedies can all help with stress under the guidance of your doctor.
In particular, adaptogens are a great option for supporting reduced stress levels. The Cleveland Clinic defines adaptogens as active ingredients in some plants and mushrooms that may improve how your body handles stress, fatigue, and anxiety — something that most of us sometimes need help with.
We’re kicking off our new adaptogen series with three our favorite and popular adaptogens: ashwagandha, eleuthero, and suma, and breaking down their amazing potential benefits.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as “Indian Ginseng” or “Indian Winter Cherry,” is a beautiful, evergreen shrub found in Africa, India, and the Middle East. It’s long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support improved energy and overall health and reduce anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
The Cleveland Clinic shares that ashwagandha’s benefits may include normalizing cortisol levels (lowering overall stress), reducing inflammation and cancer risk, improving memory and immune function, and soothing anxiety. The side effects are also reported to be minimal for most individuals.
Individual studies back this up with a 2021 study concluding that ashwagandha “exhibited noteworthy anti-stress and anti-anxiety activity in animal and human studies.” It was also shown to improve depression and insomnia symptoms, which would likely encourage reduced anxiety and stress in many people.
Interested in trying ashwaganda? Here are a few of our favorites:
- Ashwagandha Capsules: These capsules are a favorite for a pure dose of ashwagandha, which supports increased energy, better stress response, proper adrenal function, and more restful sleep.
- Adapto-Gen Capsules: This blend combines ashwagandha, Schisandra, Rhodiola, and other energy-promoting ingredients that promote a healthier stress response. If you struggle with digestive issues due to anxiety or stress, you may especially like these, as the capsules include ginger, a known digestive aid.
- Ashwagandha Moon Milk Shake: Moon milk is a popular beverage for anyone struggling with insomnia or relaxation. It contains cashew nut milk powder, ginger, cardamom, ashwagandha, and more to promote deeper relaxation.
Interested in learning more about moon milk? Our article on moon milk includes a delicious recipe and a breakdown of its benefits.
Eleuthero
Eleuthero is a woody shrub, also known as Siberian ginseng. Many chemical constituents in eleuthero may impact the brain, immune systems, and some hormones, which is why it’s been used in natural remedies to improve memory and thinking skills, athletic performance, the common cold, and much more.
A study published in The National Library of Medicine found that adaptogens, including eleuthero, may improve attention and endurance when fatigue impacts performance. It may even lower stress-induced impairments and stress-related disorders, such as issues within the neuroendocrine and immune systems.
The Cleveland Clinic concludes that eleuthero may relieve stress and fatigue while boosting immune function — excellent benefits that many could use!
Mount Sinai echoes this by sharing that eleuthero may improve athletic and mental performance, memory, mental health, and social functioning. While more research needs to be completed, these are incredibly inspiring findings!
Check out these eleuthero herbal remedies to support your immune system and stress response:
- Eleuthero Root Capsules: These capsules encourage healthy energy, stamina, and stress resistance. It’s said that Russian athletic coaches even give these to their Olympic contenders to combat stress and increase mental focus and endurance!
- Centered Woman Capsules: We recommend these capsules to those struggling with changes during menopause or imbalanced female hormones. Eleuthero, black cohosh, ginger, vitex, and other herbs create this supportive blend.
- Personal Immunity Capsules: If you’re interested in boosting your immune system, our Personal Immunity Capsules can help you encourage a healthier immune response, especially if you take them right before or during the onset of a cold.
- Joyful Muscle Tea: If you’re feeling achy or seeking relief from inflammation-based pain, our Joyful Muscle Tea can help boost your immune support and nurture your nerve tissue and mood. White willow supports reduced pain and inflammation in this earthy, pleasant tea.
Suma
Suma root, also known as "para todo" meaning for everything, is rich in many vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and iron and vitamins B, A, E, and K, which are all known for their immune-system-strengthening benefits.
In addition to these incredible nutrients, suma root has long been known as an adaptogen because of its purported energy-boosting benefits and ability to lower stress, inflammation, pain, and anxiety.
These claims are backed by modern research. One study found that Suma extract demonstrated excellent antioxidant benefits and anti-inflammatory activity.
Another study found that a multi-nutrient supplement, which included suma extract, improved hormone ratios associated with cancer risk, demonstrating its purported immune-system boosting benefits and positive effects on estrogen metabolism.
Do you want to try suma out? These are a few of our favorite suma supplements:
- Suma Capsules: These pure suma capsules encourage increased energy, a more robust immune system, and improved hormone balance (particularly estrogen). Some have experienced incredible results in overcoming chronic disorders related to a compromised immune system when taking suma.
- Gluco Balance Capsules: These capsules are curated with Irish moss, fenugreek, suma, gymnema, bitter melon, and elecampane root to encourage healthy blood sugar level maintenance. People struggling with low and high blood sugar levels have experienced benefits from these herbs (of course, always speak with a doctor first!).
- Cancer Tea: Whether your sun sign is cancer or if you have it in your chart, many people can benefit from this delicious, decadent tea containing suma, jasmine, pink roses, eleuthero root, rhodiola and much more. A lovely way to add a boost of three adapogens into your everyday life!
Stay tuned for the next part in this new adaptogen series! We’re so excited to share more of these supportive stress-busting, fatigue-fighting, and anxiety-reducing herbs with you soon.
Sending Love!
Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah
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Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting Herbalist with over 27 years of hands-on experience and the owner of The Herb Stop. |